JANUARY FAMILY FOCUS 2018 January Family Focus Mission: Service Member & Family Support enhances and empowers the lives of our customers with consistently exceptional service & support. Service Member & Family Support Phone: 1-800-658-3930 THE FOCUS IS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS & FAMILIES, VETERANS, RETIREES & SURVIVORS Take Command of Your Well-Being With a Health and Wellness Coach From Military OneSource Losing weight, managing stress, tackling transitions if you're ready to make some life changes, free consultations with Military OneSource health and wellness coaches can help you set goals and create a plan to reach them. You can be more successful in reaching your maximum potential when you have a coach cheering you on. Military OneSource health and wellness coaches stand ready to be your personal cheerleader. Having a health coach in your corner helps you make a plan, focus on results and reach your goals. The top five ways a wellness coach can improve your life are by helping to: 1. Clarify your focus (identify your beliefs, values and vision, and goals) 2. Set you up for success (create an action plan to achieve your goals) 3. Prepare you for the unexpected (eliminate roadblocks or barriers that stand in the way) 4. Keep you on course (hold you accountable for your goals) 5. Celebrate your achievements (acknowledge your hard work when you reach your goal) Health and wellness coaches provide information, support, encouragement and accountability on specific topics including: Weight management Fitness Nutrition Health condition management Stress management Life transitions How do I get started with a health coach? Call 800-342-9647 to sign up for health and wellness coaching sessions. You can choose from three Health and Wellness Coaching Program session options: Phone, Secure real-time online chat or Secure real-time video sessions IN THIS ISSUE Page2 Page 6 Page 7 Pages 10-11 Disclaimer: The announcements that appear on this page(s) or attached are intended to inform Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and their families of special offers provided to Service Members, veterans and their families and are not intended to constitute an endorsement by the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the United States Army, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. It is strictly intended to be used for informational purposes only.
JANUARY FAMILY FOCUS 2 Happy New Year from the SDNG Child & Youth Program! We are requesting your feedback to help us improve the programs and services available through the Child and Youth Program. Please take a few minutes to complete the following assessment: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bqmjmyx The responses we receive help us work to ensure programs, services, and resources support the unique needs of ARNG Families. Funeral Honors course - Fort Meade February 18-23 2018 Thank you! Contact your Unit Readiness NCO or call MSG Mary Mallow at 605-737-6945 for more information.
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JANUARY FAMILY FOCUS 6 Questions? Contact Wendi Albers at: 605-737-6089 or wendialbersfrsa@gmail.com
JANUARY FAMILY FOCUS 7 Tricare Update! As of Jan. 1, 2018 Health Net Federal Services, LLC is the managed care support contractor for the TRICARE West Region (which includes South Dakota) Here is some information Health Net Federal Services, LLC have shared: Due to the TRICARE changes effective Jan. 1, 2018, and normal post-holiday health care needs, we currently are experiencing high call volumes. Your access to care is our priority. You can continue to see your TRICARE providers, even if they are not yet showing in our network directory, without Point of Service charges. Additionally, we are honoring active authorizations and referrals that were issued by United Healthcare Military & Veterans that extend into 2018. You can also use our Interactive Voice Response system for certain transactions, such as checking eligibility and making enrollment payments, rather than waiting on hold. Tip: If you have background noise when using the IVR, mute your phone and key in your responses. It is recommend that you visit the official Tricare webpages at https://tricare.mil/ and https://tricare-west.com/ The answers to your questions might be found on our website: https://tricare-west.com/. We offer public and secure tools (log in required) to help you with your TRICARE transactions, including cost pages that explain the new copayment structure.
JANUARY FAMILY FOCUS 8 MilTax: Free Tax Services from Military OneSource Service members and military families here s a benefit that helps you master your taxes. Free, easy-to use MilTax software and support services can make quick work of tax time. No need to pay for outside tax assistance or risk missing specific military tax breaks. MilTax is made for military life, so you get more, including: Tax preparation and filing software From mid-january to mid- October, use our MilTax software to prepare and file your taxes online. This free software is tailored to military life addressing scenarios including multiple moves, deployments and more. You can work anytime, anywhere, at your own pace. Plus, calculations have a 100 percent accuracy guarantee. Specialized phone support You can talk with a trained MilTax consultant free during tax season (January through April 18) seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST or EDT at 800-342-9647. After April 18, trained tax consultants are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT. Call anytime to schedule an appointment. In-person tax assistance The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free inperson tax preparation and assistance at locations on and off base worldwide. Self-file using MilTax software at a kiosk where available. Work with a trained tax professional on site. Or, arrange to drop off your paperwork and come back to e-file when your return is ready. Helpful articles and online resources In our Taxes section, you ll find articles with valuable information on how to file your tax return, such as Tax Filing Made Simple and Filing Taxes When a Service Member is Deployed. You can learn how new tax laws might affect you. And you can connect with Military OneSource financial counselors to make the most of your money. MilTax serves those who serve. As a military member, you and your family are eligible for these exclusive resources. Make quick work of tax time with all the MilTax tools and services you ve earned. Check out more great resources at http://www.militaryonesource.mil /
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JANUARY FAMILY FOCUS 2018 South Dakota National Guard Scholarships Suspense: 15 March Corning/Mallow Memorial Scholarship BACKGROUND This scholarship endowment is made possible by donations from the South Dakota National Guard Officers and Enlisted Associations and is established in memory of Major General Duane L. "Duke" Corning's love and dedication for these associations and for his fidelity, dedication and unselfish service to his state, nation, and fellowman. The purpose of the memorial endowment is to encourage active/retired members of the South Dakota National Guard (Army and Air) and their dependents to pursue degrees in higher education at an accredited institution of their choice. The CW2 Darren R Mallow Memorial Scholarship is awarded by Col (Ret) Bob and Shirley Mallow of Black Hawk, SD in remembrance of their son Darren who was an outstanding guard member whose life was cut tragically short by a fatal civilian helicopter accident in the summer of 1999. Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded by the Enlisted/Officer Associations for the Major General Duane L. "Duke" Corning Scholarship and one $100.00 scholarship offered by the Mallow family. The USAA Scholarship BACKGROUND This scholarship endowment is made possible by the USAA insurance program. The purpose of the USAA scholarship is to encourage active enlisted members of the South Dakota National Guard, (Army and Air), and their dependents to pursue degrees in higher education at an accredited institution of their choice. This objective is to be accomplished through annual award of the USAA Scholarship. A scholarship will be awarded by the Enlisted Association at the State Conference and may be in the amount of $500 or $1000 to be determined by USAA. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To be considered for this award, an applicant must be: (Corning/Mallow): A current/retired member or a dependent of a current/retired member of the South Dakota National Guard Officer or Enlisted Associations. (USAA): A current member or a dependent of a member of the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association (BOTH): A graduating high school senior and/or an individual enrolled or having intent to enroll in a post-secondary institution (undergraduate study only) on a full-time basis. APPLICATION PROCEDURES To apply for the SDNG Scholarships, applicants must submit the following, in its entirety, by the posted deadline above. academic achievements. r, counselor, dean or professor addressing the applicant's ander (if member of National Guard) addressing the applicant's moral and personal traits, character and leadership abilities. (Cannot be a parent) applicant's latest SAT/ACT test scores (if applicable). Completed packages must be received by posted deadline or they will be returned to the applicant. Do not have the official transcript or the letters of recommendation sent directly because your entire package must be sent under one cover. The 2018 application materials must be submitted by March 15th 2018 to: Nathan Hedin, 132 Nebraska St., Rapid City, S.D. 57701 py of the Disclaimer: The announcements that appear on this page(s) or attached are intended to inform Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and their families of special offers provided to Service Members, veterans and their families and are not intended to constitute an endorsement by the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the United States Army, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. It is strictly intended to be used for informational purposes only.
JANUARY FAMILY FOCUS 2018 The SDNG Scholarship 2018 Application A NON-RENEWABLE MERIT SCHOLARSHIP NAME: (Last) (First) (Middle) HOME ADDRESS: (Street) (City) (State) (Zip) TELEPHONE: ( ) BIRTHDATE: (Day, Month, Year) YOU MUST BE A CURRENT MEMBER OF OR BE A DEPENDENT OF A MEMBER OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA NATIONAL GUARD AND BE A MEMBER OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA NATIONAL GUARD ENLISTED ASSOCIATION FOR USAA AND A MEMBER OF ENLISTED OR OFFICERS ASSOCIATION FOR CORNING. PLEASE GIVE NAME, RANK, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER, AND UNIT OF MEMBER. IF SAME AS ABOVE, STATE SO AND GIVE RANK AND UNIT. SCHOOL OR COLLEGE YOU PLAN TO ATTEND: MAJOR AREA OF STUDY: LIST AWARDS, HONORS, AND OFFICES IN HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE OR OTHER TRADE SCHOOLS: LIST EXTRA CURRICULAR & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & HONORS: PLEASE COMPLETE A BRIEF AUTOBIOGRAPHY (DO NOT EXCEED 300 WORDS) DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCES TO DATE AND INDICATING AT THE END YOUR HOPES AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. DATE: SIGNATURE: (If you need more room for any questions, continue on a separate sheet of paper) Disclaimer: The announcements that appear on this page(s) or attached are intended to inform Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and their families of special offers provided to Service Members, veterans and their families and are not intended to constitute an endorsement by the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the United States Army, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. It is strictly intended to be used for informational purposes only.
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T JANUARY FAMILY FOCUS 13 Did you know? The Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) Program serves Active and Reserve Component service members of ALL branches of the military AND Veterans who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation, often at great personal sacrifice. The program s principal role is to provide direction to Reserve Component service members so that they can secure all benefits, entitlements, and services earned through their military service with the compassion of someone who s been there. You may not need assistance at this time, but you may have a friend or family member that could use some assistance. Common services provided are: - Requesting Military Service records - Enrollment into the VA Healthcare - Counseling on Education Benefits - Supporting deploying and returning units - Employment - Tricare - State specific benefits - Navigating local, state and federal programs I am a current service member in the SDARNG, an OEF-Afghanistan veteran, former full-time Soldier, education counselor and will put to use my skills and relationships to ensure your needs are met. Contact your TAA today at 605-737-6669 or christian.m.johnson.ctr@mail.mil January Family Focus Service Member and Family Support South Dakota National Guard 2823 W. Main St, Rapid City SD 57702 1-800-658-3930 We We also recommend that you like and follow us on Facebook as we continuously update new and exciting information. Have suggestions of thing you would like to see in a future issue of the focus? Please contact us!